How to work on underside of TF cab?

[redux2redux]

I have a '57 cab that I need to do some work on the underside, and then undercoat it.

I've heard of people rolling them onto their backside, right on the frame, with the bed removed.

Curious as to what others have done.

Thanks

[blackdiesel]

I set mine on it's back with an old mattress under in.

[dicer]

I have not got that far on mine, but what I plan to do is get some steel and fab a stand that I can roll it on and also tip it over to the front and or the back, and still wheel it around. The same bars will be able to attach to the front or the rear, the only problem with this is I will be using the cab mount points and have to work around the dolly I make. I think the cab weighs about as much as an engine so it shouldn't be too bad to manually flip.

[MrDude_1]

I just did this for the first time last weekend on my AD.

I found i could tip it off the dolly no problem by myself.. worked on it all day (notice the grass fire result in the background, lol)

but when it came time to put it back on the dolly, no combo of engine hoist, come-along and ratchet straps could safely pickup and rotate it back on. i actually broke the back beam of my dolly trying to "tilt" it back on.

after i finally broke down and called a friend, it was very easy to lift back upright, catching it with the hoist, then having it balanced on the engine hoist while the dolly was rolled under it.

no way around it, you need atleast 2 people. 3 would make it even easier.

[OrrieG]

I just placed my on a dolly that left the middle open and worked on my back with a good resirator and face shield. My under coating was in good shape so I power washed, knocked off the loose stuff and reundercoated with rattle can stuff from the paint store. Luckily there was no rust in the floors to deal with.

[jimig1]

Someone else had ask this and someone suggested a mattress. I thought it was a good idea if you have an old one lying around EDIT: sorry missed blackdiesel post

[MrDude_1]

i dont think the mattress is needed... the intent is good, but a mattress can catch on fire if you're grinding/welding/etc...
a flame retardant blanket would be an ok idea if you had one.

if you're worried about the paint, i woudlnt roll it on its back at all. too large of a chance of the smallest dirt particles making huge scratches.

[blackdiesel]

True that on the fire, I'm thinkin I just used the mattress when I painted the bottom of it, to protect the body work. Like you say it won't hurt a thing to just roll it over and do the bottom first.

[hsdropout]

Seems you could easily roll it back on frame as long as you adequately support it.
I have cab off frame, doors & glass removed. Fairly manageable to roll back on flat dolly with assistance of engine hoist.
Cleaned, touched up seam sealer, primed and coated with 3M undercoating (took 4 cans).
Don't forget to wear a respirator, that stuff is potent.

[1956chevtruck]

I tipped mine onto it's back on a couple of knee height sawhorses and tied it there while worked on it.

[redux2redux]

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

When I get to this task, I will provide some pictures, providing it isn't too embarrassing.